Hampshire calls in new comms head

Hampshire County Council has installed Keith Kerslake as head of

corporate communications after a reappraisal of its communications

strategy.

Kerslake takes up the council post after leaving the Department of the

Environment, Transport and the Regions, where he was deputy head of

communications.

He will report directly to chief executive Peter Robertson, and will

oversee all areas of internal and external communications including

publications and marketing.

The role is an upgrade of the old post of public relations manager,

previously held by Pat Fleming. Fleming, who left in December 1998, had

reported to the head of policy, Malcolm Cole.

The appointment puts the council’s name on a lengthening list of local

authorities which have revamped and upgraded their communications

function in recent months in response to the Government’s proposed Best

Value legislation.

The new laws will place a greater onus on councils to consult and talk

to the local public and organisations about services provided by local

government.

To reflect the growing role of communications within the council,

Kerslake will add three staff to the team, which is already 11-strong.

Two new assistant press officers will be hired and a corporate

communications assistant will join the team.